Time took - 4 hours 50 mins.
Distance 20 Kms/12.5 Miles.
Obstacles - The paths were of a reasonable state from the start to just after John O'Groats. At Huna there is vehicle scrapyard also, there is seaweed on the rocks bit further on, after that some of the embankments are collapsed in various locations. This is why part of route is a road walk to Gills Bay. You can however walk along the Foreshore but, care should be taken when walking along the boulders etc. It will take slightly longer of course.
CHANGE OF ROUTE
Due to finding that the path/track from St John's Point at 31093 74555 to Castle of Mey has eroded and the stone walls collapsed and unsafe I have had to look at another route for this area. There is a path leading from St John's Point to the corner of the B Road proceed to the gate at 31163 74445 then make your way along the B Road/Track to 29347 74555 this will get you back onto the Way.
CHANGE OF ROUTE
Hi all
Gills Bay westward access. There has to be a small route change, this is due to new both wooden and electric fencing that has been erected making it very difficult.
I am at the present moment speaking with land owners to sort the new route.
Will keep you all up to date.
Have now agreed with land owners (Castle of Mey) a new route. Now awaiting permission to put up markers.
NEW ROUTE
Walk past Gills Bay entrance, take the first road to the right and walk to the end, then turn right onto the main road up to the Sheep Pen at 31997 730028.
I have located a small gap in the gorse which you can get through. 31997 74232 its approximately 20M from the cliffs. From there go to the gate at 31163 74445. Still awaiting permission for markers.
This information has been on the .com site for a long time, so not sure how accurate it is.
BAGGAGE TRANSFER
We can offer a baggage transfer service. Book here. We will charge a refundable deposit if the service is not available for any reason.
Dounreay difficulties - they keep refusing funding
https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/hiking-route/united-kingdom/160-reay-to-dunnet/134060675/
"I’m trying to do this at the moment too. West of bettyhill, I’ve only done the bit to sletell so far. I found this bit really enjoyable, but I did not hug the coastline, I did do some bits on the road. Cutting back to the coast when I would see paths."
At Skerray bay. I found I could not continue on the coast past the pier and had to head back along the road.
In 2002, we input to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. The paths are currently under review. The Highland Council maintains these paths.
Duncansby Head to The Haven
This is a linear coastal and road-walk route along the grassy banks. Seals have been known to 'track' walkers along the way, also there are possible sightings of dolphins and whales. When passing the rear of the Castle of Mey there might be Royalty staying in the castle, so keep an eye out for the patrolling police.
There are some problem areas
We keep trying to persuade Dounreay to fund the project to get people off the road, but they refuse to assist. Allegedly the site is being decommissioned, but is used to fund the area with high level jobs and apprentices. All to the good, but people's safety does not seem to worry them. Now in fact, they are reported to Ethical Standards.
The Sutherland spaceport, also known as Space Hub Sutherland or UK Vertical Launch (UKVL) Sutherland, is a planned spaceport to be located in Sutherland in Scotland. It would be the first vertical launch capable spaceport in the United Kingdom, and operated by a commercial entity. The spaceport is intended to support the Orbex Prime launch vehicle.The spaceport will be located on the A' Mhòine peninsula northwest of Tongue village, Sutherland, Scotland. Groundbreaking occurred on 5 May 2023. Progress is slow, and information on Wikipedia is out of date. We are investigating thoroughly with the Space Agency and have reported HIE, who fund this project, also to Ethical Standards for abuse of the developer of the Way.
West of Bettyhill
Have any of you guys walked west of Bettyhill on the coast. Looking for general info on the coastal path and anything to be aware of. Planning the next stages of my coastal journey in that direction.
If you have parking problems, they can be reported here.
This is how you get to the place for a log on the passport.
Then we go to World Walking and especially Spain and France.
